Is Lana Del Rey the Future of Pop Stardom?

Introduction

Reuters

When Jennifer Hudson sang a Grammy tribute to Whitney Houston, a symbolic torch was passed. While Houston grew up connected to music royalty and was discovered while performing in clubs, Hudson came out of nowhere to become a finalist on “American Idol.”

Is that the new normal? Take Lana Del Rey, T Style’s most recent cover subject, who also became famous in about a minute. Is her ascent a sign that we’re more impressed by hype than talent? Or are media innovations helping to hype deserving but unknown artists?